Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, defeated host nation, Dominican Republic 1-0 early Wednesday in Santo Domingo, advancing in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Midfielder, Shakirat Moshood scored the decisive goal in the 89th-minute goal with a powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards, marking her fourth goal of the tournament. Earlier in the match, Moshood’s 15th-minute attempt was ruled offside by VAR, and team captain, Taiwo Afolabi forced a save from the Dominican goalkeeper.
The Flamingos dominated the second half, maintaining pressure until Moshood’s late strike found the back of the net. This victory, their third consecutive, secured their position as Group A leaders with nine points, finishing above Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and New Zealand.
The Flamingos have been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, winning their first two games with an aggregate score of 8-1. Coach Bankole Olowookere squad opened the competition with a 4-1 victory over New Zealand, followed by a 4-0 win against Ecuador.
The Coach expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud, thanking fans for their support and promising to continue delivering joyful performances. The match against the Dominican Republic also set a record, with 13,535 spectators—the highest attendance for any Dominican Republic National Team match.
Nigeria will now face the United States of America in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
